Influenza Virus
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory 401-222-5538
Influenza Virus
Influenza (Flu)
CDC INFLUENZA VIRUS REAL-TIME RT-PCR
Influenza virus testing is performed using the Centers for Disease Control Human Influenza Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel which has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the detection and subtyping of influenza virus type A . The performance characteristics of the assay were verified by the RISHL.
Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical/laboratory findings to determine an overall clinical diagnosis.
CDC INFLUENZA SARS-COV-2 (Flu SC2) MULTIPLEX
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (Flu SC2) Multiplex Assay is a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test that detects and differentiates RNA from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus in upper and lower respiratory patients in the acute phase of infection. The Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay is only for use under FDA Emergency Use Authorization and assay performance characteristics were verified by the RISHL.
Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical/laboratory findings to determine an overall clinical diagnosis. Negative results do not preclude infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Provider Fact Sheet: https://www.fda.gov/media/139742/download
Patient Fact Sheet: https://www.fda.gov/media/139745/download
Specimens are only accepted from designated RI Sentinal Sites that are approved by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577.
All other laboratory sites must obtain PREAUTHORIZATION by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577 prior to transporting specimens.
REPORT INFLUENZA ASSOCATED DEATHS, HOSPITALIZATIONS, AND NOVEL VIRUS INFECTIONS WITHIN 4 DAYS OF RECOGNITION OR SUSPICION OF DISEASE
Refer to the Influenza Specimen Collection Kit Instructions for specimen collection. For RISHL COVID-19 specimen collection instructions, click here.
Specimen Type:
Collect nasopharyngeal, nasal swab or upper respiratory specimens with a flexible wire or plastic shaft nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. Swab must have synthetic tip such as dacron or nylon. (Swabs with a calcium alginate or cotton tip are unacceptable)
After specimen is obtained, inoculate the tube of Universal Transport Media (UTM) by inserting the swab into the tube making certain that the liquid in the tube covers the swab tip. The shaft should be clipped equal with the top of the tube.
Store at 2-8°C for up to 72 hours. If unable to transport within 72 hours, the specimen must be frozen at -70°C.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
Select Influenza PCR (Sentinel Provider Only)
Refrigerated: Transport and deliver to the laboratory within 72 hours of collection at 2-8°C in a cooler able to maintain specimen temperature. A plug-in electric cooler is recommended, however, a cooler packed with excess frozen gel packs is acceptable as long as the transport temperature is maintained at 2-8°C.
Frozen: If specimen previously frozen, it must be transported on frozen gel packs in insulated shipper.
Specimens must be transported and packaged in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Not Detected
Providers must report patient information on Influenza within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
3 business days
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens to the RISHL Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Labs and Sendout Departments.